America's Cup: SNG Tries to Re-Write the Rules Again

by Jane Eagleson

BMW ORACLE Racing is employing a variety of environmentally-safe friction-reduction technologies.

"Our hulls are more slippery and, therefore, move more efficiently through the water than ever before," said design team member Manolo Ruiz de Elvira (ESP).

The only decision - out of fourteen - that Societe Nautique de Geneve has won in the New York Supreme Court was to have Racing Rules 49-54 deleted from America's Cup racing for the first time ever. This not only permitted the yachts to use an engine to replace manual power, but skin friction reduction systems, previously banned, are now allowed.

"We are not going to say exactly what systems and technologies we are using on our trimaran, but I can assure you that they make an already fast boat even faster," Ruiz de Elvira said. "Our design team has found the ultimate solution - fast and green."

SNG's blatant attempt to reverse the Court's ruling permitting friction reduction systems, which the Swiss themselves fought for, is now in the hands of the International Jury at the request of GGYC.

Golden Gate Yacht Club